No More “Gummy” Smile: The Laser Gum Contouring Procedure By Jon Marc Van Slate DDS on April 30, 2016

The appearance of even the most radiant and healthy smile can be compromised by the presence of excess gum tissue that extends down onto the teeth, which can make them appear short or misshapen. Fortunately, modern cosmetic dentistry offers a potentially ideal solution to “gummy” smiles in the form of the laser gum contouring procedure. At the Houston, TX cosmetic dentistry practice of Dr. Jon Marc Van Slate, patients with excess or uneven gum tissue can achieve aesthetically pleasing, natural-looking smiles safely and painlessly through the artful, permanent removal of periodontal tissues. They emerge from treatment with smiles that look healthier and more luminous, which translates into greater confidence and an enhanced self-image.

If you are dissatisfied with the appearance of your smile due to the presence of excess gum tissue, we invite you to schedule your initial consultation with Dr. Jon Marc Van Slate to find out whether you are a good candidate for laser gum contouring today.

What Is Laser Gum Contouring?

During your consultation with Dr. Van Slate, you and he will discuss your goals and options for treatment, and he will evaluate your candidacy for laser gum contouring. In order to be considered a good candidate for laser gum contouring, your gums should be healthy and free from periodontal disease. If you do have periodontal disease, this will have to be treated before your gums can be reshaped.

In planning your treatment, Dr. Van Slate will consider the shape of each individual tooth and how it relates to the shape of your smile, to your surrounding facial features, and to one another. Removing gum tissue must be done with absolute care to ensure the most attractive possible results; it is certainly easier to ablate gum tissue than to graft it back onto the tooth. This is why Dr. Van Slate invests considerable time into the preparation stage of treatment, using his keen aesthetic eye to plan the procedure down to the finest detail. Often, the appearance of a gummy smile is created not only by excess gum tissue, but also an uneven gum line.

The laser used in the gum contouring procedure is extraordinarily safe and precise. It actually cauterizes the gum tissues as it incises them, which results in less bleeding both during and after the procedure and eliminates the need for sutures. It also reduces the risk of post-operative infection and other complications.

Post-operative healing requires less than a week, and any discomfort can easily be managed with over-the-counter pain medication. Laser gum contouring requires no downtime; patients can return to their normal routines immediately after the procedure. The results of the procedure are permanent, as the gum tissue that is removed does not regenerate. Laser gum contouring can be performed on its own or combined with other cosmetic treatments such as teeth whitening and porcelain veneers.